Minerva Neurosciences Inc. (NASDAQ: NERV) announced Jim O'Connor will join as Chief Business Officer and General Counsel effective April 21, 2026, replacing Geoff Race who is leaving his role as President.

Race joined Minerva in 2010 and served in multiple executive positions including Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Chief Business Officer, and President over his 16-year tenure. He will continue as a consultant during the leadership transition.

O'Connor brings more than 20 years of legal and business leadership experience across life sciences, technology, and renewable energy sectors. He most recently served at Axena Health in various roles including General Counsel & Chief Operating Officer, General Counsel & Chief Financial Officer, and Interim Chief Executive Officer.

During his time at Axena Health, O'Connor negotiated more than $130 million in equity and debt financings and a commercial distribution agreement with Exact Sciences that included a $10 million investment. He also oversaw FDA 510(k) clearance and label expansions for a medical device and achieved FDA Breakthrough Device Designation.

Prior to Axena Health, O'Connor spent 12 years with United Technologies Corporation in roles including Vice President & Deputy General Counsel at Carrier and Chief of Staff to the President & CEO of UTC Building & Industrial Systems. He earned his J.D. from Cornell Law School and a B.A. in Economics from Boston College.

Minerva is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing therapies for central nervous system disorders, with a focus on roluperidone for negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The company is preparing for its next planned Phase 3 trial for the drug candidate.